Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

DashboardSymbols.com descriptions of the symbols and tell-tales used on automobile and light truck dashboards and instrument panels.

Charging System Dashboard Trouble Lights

Charge System

Charging System Trouble Indicator Symbol One of the original “idiot” lights, the symbol to the left indicates a serious problem with the Charging System. The vehicle should be brought to a complete stop as quickly as possible or the vehicle may simply stop running in the middle of traffic. Roadside assistance will be necessary.

  • But, before we continue, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on.
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

In most cases, there are two possible scenarios: a bad battery, which will not allow itself to be charged, or a failing alternator, which is no longer sending enough charge to the battery. In either case, your vehicle will soon stop running. In some cases, a failing alternator will cause a weak battery to fail as well, and both will need to be replaced.

Note that Electric Vehicles (EVs) also use a 12-volt battery for start up, and this same symbol may be displayed. It is an issue with the low voltage battery (12-volt) not the high voltage battery and points out an issue either with charging the 12-volt battery or with the battery itself.

Similar Symbol

Hybrid Battery Trouble IndicatorNote that if the word Main is seen beneath the battery image, the light is actually a Hybrid Battery Trouble Indicator. The vehicle’s hybrid battery must be serviced by your dealer or qualified service professional as soon as possible.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/charging-system-dashboard-trouble-lights/

Brake Trouble Dashboard Symbols

Brake Trouble

This symbol, and the Canadian version below, is a Brake Trouble Indicator symbol. Either symbol could indicate a serious problem with the brakes, but the light will also be on when the hand, or emergency, brake is engaged.

  • But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below. 
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

So, if you are sure the hand brake, or emergency, brake is released, bring your vehicle to a stop as soon as possible and contact your dealer or competent repair shop. To continue driving could very well be dangerous!

Brake Trouble Indicator CanadaThis is the Brake Trouble Indicator symbol in Canada, and other areas, but has an additional use elsewhere (below). The look of this symbol as well as others involving brakes are supposed to resemble the physical appearance of brakes. They do, but primarily only to people who have had the opportunity to take them apart. The word ‘brake’ may appear at the top of the image.

In Australia and New Zealand, the same symbol is used to indicate that the brake or clutch fluid is low. Check the proper reservoirs.

The same image is also used in Europe for the failure of an advanced system, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). In this case, conventional brake action remains unaffected, but your dealer will be needed to repair the advanced system. These vehicles use the text symbol BRAKE shown above to indicate a problem with the basic or conventional brake system.

Electronically Controlled Brake WarningFinally, the image is used by some manufacturers to indicate a problem with the Regenerative Brake System in electric vehicles (EVs). It may appear in yellow/amber/orange (right) alongside the red brake symbol shown simultaneously. This is potentially serous and should be checked by a competent shop immediately. The operation of the brake pedal may be more difficult than normal and the braking distance may increase.

Click here to learn more about regenerative braking.

More Versions

Brake fault indicatorBrake fault warningBrake fault indicatorAnd of course someone had to combine the two and then a third as a traditional trouble light, I suppose just to add yet more symbols. The word BRAKE is place below the circle and exclamation point. And above the same indicator plus that with a “P” inside, for parking brake.

Brake Temperature IndicatorThis version that includes a thermometer inside the circle is meant to indicate that the brake disk and therefore brake pads are overheated. The car should be pulled over as soon as possible to allow them to cool. If they stay hot, the brake fluid will get hot and boil, at which point brake pressure will be non existent.

Note that the symbol of a circle with “brackets” on either side, broken or otherwise, represents brake components. What is shown inside and the details of the “brackets” and color can specify the nature of the problem.

Similar Symbols

Brake Trouble Indicator

ABS Trouble Indicator Canada

Note also that if these two warning lights (right) are seen together, they indicate a problem with something called the Brake Force Distribution System. Click here for more information.

Brake System IndicatorBrake Pad Wear Warning SymbolLow Brake Fluid IndicatorAre you seeing one of these symbols? Click here, here or here, associated with the images, left to right.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/brake-trouble-dashboard-symbols/

E-Boost Dashboard Indicators

E-Boost System

E-boost indicator 2E-boost indicatorE-boost indicator 3These are E-Boost System or PowerShot System Indicator symbols. It will be seen as a lightning bolt in a cloud-like circle in gray, white or green. This light alerts the driver to the status of the system Alfa Romeo vehicles use the term E-Boost while Dodge uses PowerShot. The system and the results are the same.

  • Before continuing, are you these are your symbols?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

E-Boost and PowerShot are a belt-driven 48V hybrid system. This system helps in stop-and-go (see this link) situations and translates to improvements for the official city fuel economy. Seen in white, the system is unavailable. Seen in gray it is available and in green, it is engaged.

Using an E-Booster or PowerShot allows the manufacturer to fit a larger turbocharger for additional maximum power from an internal combustion engine. According to the company’s plans, it’s up to 25% more powerful than current engines.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2023/10/e-boost-indicators/

Cold Battery Dashboard Indicators

Cold Battery

Reduced power indicatorCold battery indicatorCold battery indicatorThese images are Cold Battery Dashboard Indicator symbols. They effectively indicated that the battery in question is reduced in capacity due to cold weather conditions. They are effectively Reduced Power Indicators.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Reduced power indicator hotThe first is a simple image of a household-type battery with a superimposed snowflake. The second image, in blue, notes that power is reduced because of cold drive train conditions. The lights may go out as the drive train warms up even if the outside temperature does not rise. The second icon will be seen in gray scale (left) when the drive system temperature is high, possibly due to sustained or high power demand when driving on mountain roads, for example. This also reduces the amount of power available.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2023/09/cold-battery-indicators/

Stop Light Dashboard Indicators

Stop Light

Stop light indicator rightStop light indicator leftThese are Stop Light Dashboard Indicators symbols. They are seen in the information display, likely in gray scale or black and white.  As stated by the first manufacturer to use them, The pair of lights come on when the stop lights are illuminated by the use of the brake pedal or, more importantly, the driving assist system when the system applies the brakes.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Indicators of this type are made necessary by self driving systems as well as electric vehicle one pedal driving systems where the brakes may be applied without the driver being fully aware. Brake lights are a warning to other drivers that the vehicle is being slowed and it is important that the driver is aware of this as well.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2023/05/stop-lights-indicator/

Recording Dashboard Indicator

Recording

Recording indicatorThis is a Recording Dashboard Indicator symbol. The light indicates that the recording function of the driver monitor camera is in operation. If the icon is blinking, recording is ongoing, while constant illumination indicates the function is ready for recording. The light may be in gray scale or color.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
    Otherwise, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

This indicator is made necessary by the addition driver monitoring systems and subsequent privacy concerns. Drivers must be alerted to the fact that their car is recording their actions behind wheel, which may be saved in the vehicle or even submitted to the manufacturer.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2023/05/recording-indicator/

Proactive Driving Assist Dashboard Indicators

Driving Assist

PDA Indicator in GreenPDA Indicator yellow amberPDA IndicatorThese are Proactive Driving Assist Dashboard Indicators symbols. The Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) system, effectively a self-driving system, is designed to provide some assistance for regular braking and steering operations, as well as helping to prevent the vehicle from approaching too close to a detectable object.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The manufacturer offers the standard disclaimer related to the status of self driving systems in 2023, stating  that the scope of this assistance is limited and that the driver should perform brake and steering operations as necessary and to not overly rely on the proactive driving assist. The system is also not to be used in poor visibility conditions.

PDA offers Obstacle Anticipation Assist for objects detected crossing the road or on the side of the road. It also offers Deceleration Assist, decelerating if a vehicle in front or cutting in front of the vehicle is detected. The system can also detect a curve and decelerate. Finally, it offers Steering Assist, effectively a Lane Keeping System integrated into PDA.

Seen in white or gray scale, the system is active and in detection mode. In green, the system has detected objects and is responding accordingly.  Lane detection and steering symbols will be used in appropriate situations alongside PDA symbols.

A yellow/amber indicator indicates a malfunction in the system. The information display will have additional information for the driver. Ultimately, your dealer or a good technician will be needed to repair the fault.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2023/05/proactive-driving-assist-pda-indicator/